Experience the difference. Meet your peers, talk with experts, build your network, and turn insights into action.
Sarah James
Sr Director Analyst
Gartner
Speaker Topics
- Agentic Analytics and AI
- Trends and Futures
- Value and Metrics
- New to Role CDAO
- Opening Keynote Unpacked
- Skills and Literacy
- Overall Data and Analytics Strategy
Speaker Bio
Sarah is a Senior Research Director in Gartner's CDAO practice where she focuses on topics at the intersection of data and human behaviour - including CDAO impact and influence, data-driven culture development, bringing people along on the data journey, self development, effective delivery, neurodiversity, and more.
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Sessions
Monday, 11 May, 2026 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM BST
Gartner Opening Keynote: Navigate AI on Your Data & Analytics Journey to Value
Jorg Heizenberg,
VP Analyst, Gartner
Sarah James,
Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
AI is accelerating new possibilities for data and analytics everywhere. Success isn’t always about being the fastest, but about finding your own path to value, while managing risk and cost. Join our Gartner’s Opening Keynote to discover how a thoughtful approach to speed and direction helps you prepare for what’s next, no matter where you are today.
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Monday, 11 May, 2026 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM BST
CDAO Circle Leadership Exchange: Let’s Talk About Who Owns AI — Is It Me or Someone Else?
Denis Farrell,
Executive Partner, Domains, Gartner
Sarah James,
Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
As AI becomes central to business strategy, defining ownership grows more complex and crucial. With responsibilities spread across teams and leaders, confusion and tension can threaten AI project success.
Join this interactive discussion to share what works (and what doesn’t) in assigning AI roles. Through active participation, we'll examine approaches, weigh pros and cons, and develop practical steps—like RACI charts and ownership models.
To help us kickstart an engaging discussion, please reflect on the questions below before the session. Your insights will shape our conversation, and you’ll receive a customized resource afterward to support your continued success.
1. Why is this so hard? What do you think is at the heart of this challenge?
2. In what ways are the division of AI roles and responsibilities in your organization working well?
3. What would you like to learn from others? ... Show More Show Less
Join this interactive discussion to share what works (and what doesn’t) in assigning AI roles. Through active participation, we'll examine approaches, weigh pros and cons, and develop practical steps—like RACI charts and ownership models.
To help us kickstart an engaging discussion, please reflect on the questions below before the session. Your insights will shape our conversation, and you’ll receive a customized resource afterward to support your continued success.
1. Why is this so hard? What do you think is at the heart of this challenge?
2. In what ways are the division of AI roles and responsibilities in your organization working well?
3. What would you like to learn from others? ... Show More Show Less
Tuesday, 12 May, 2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM BST
CDAO Circle Leadership Exchange: The Evolving CDAO — Archetypes, AI Ambitions and Growth Paths
Sarah James,
Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Ian Bertram,
Managing Vice President, Gartner
Erick Brethenoux,
Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
Nate Novosel,
VP Analyst, Gartner
As the CDAO role continues to evolve in the AI era, organizations face critical decisions about the direction and impact of their data leadership. This session explores the future of the CDAO through three distinct archetypes: Expert, Collaborator and Pioneer. Attendees will learn how to assess and choose the archetype that best aligns with their organization’s AI ambition and strategic goals. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to define their CDAO journey and position themselves and their organizations for success in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
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Wednesday, 13 May, 2026 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM BST
Journey for Realizing Value From Data, Analytics and AI
Sarah James,
Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
D&A and AI leaders, including CDAOs, continue to face challenges in demonstrating the value of D&A and AI initiatives. This session will provide a roadmap for gaining stakeholder buy-in, quantifying value and building a robust business case, learning from the successes of other organizations, and continuously measuring results and adjusting.
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